"Ring in the Holiday Season" Dinner Party

Prior to the onset of the busy holiday season, we thought that it would be fun and relaxing to host a catered dinner party at our home. Eight of our dearest friends joined us for a multi-course meal which was skillfully prepared by Cheryl and Dean Raiken of Metro Catering in San Diego (http://www.metrocateringsandiego.com).

The evening began in the living room, watching a beautiful sunset over the Pacific Ocean while sipping Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé Champagne and enjoying tray-passed hors d’oeuvres. These delicious hors d’oeuvres included an Alsace bacon and caramelized onion tart (with crème fraiche) and chilled jumbo shrimp with horseradish sauce.

• NV Billecart-Salmon Champagne Brut Rosé 93 Points

  France, Champagne

  This salmon-colored, nonvintage Champagne offers a brisk tiny bead and an intense nose of raspberries, lavender, rose petals and marzipan. Medium-bodied, vibrantly acidic and with lots of verve, it stays lively in the middle and closes medium-long. This iteration of the Billecart Rosé is in keeping with the same winning style that has characterized the wine for so many years. Drink now-2016.

  Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue

This dish was visually stunning and equally delectable. Its vibrancy was matched nicely by the fresh acidity of the two different vintages of Crocker & Starr Sauvignon Blanc.

• 2012 Crocker & Starr Sauvignon Blanc 92 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  Tasted from magnum, this straw-colored white offers intense aromas of nectarines, kiwi, chervil and lime zest. Light-to-medium-bodied, freshly acidic and seamlessly alcoholic (14.4%), it delivers flavors mirroring the nose and stays solid in the middle. This is top-flight Sauvignon Blanc with a beautiful fruit/herb balance. Drink now-2016.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2013 Crocker & Starr Sauvignon Blanc 92 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  With aromas and flavors of stone fruits, kiwi, melon and quince, this light yellow, light-bodied wine is enjoyable from start to finish. Although a bit more round than its 2012 brethren, it is still quite fresh and also manages to nicely integrate its alcohol (listed as 14.4%). Crisp and solid in the middle, it closes with a lengthy finish. This is yet another impressive showing for Crocker & Starr. Drink now-2017.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

This flavor-filled dish was well-complemented by the Patz & Hall Dutton Ranch Chardonnay, although the Sauvignon Blanc was also a worthy partner.

• 2013 Patz & Hall Chardonnay Dutton Ranch 92 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

  This straw-colored white offers an intense nose of lime zest, honeysuckle, tropical fruit and hazelnut. On the palate, it carries these aromas through as similar flavors, all in a light-to-medium-bodied, crisply acidic and seamlessly alcoholic (14.2%) frame. Layered, vibrant and building in the middle, it closes with a fresh, lingering finish. This is outstanding Russian River Chardonnay which successfully balances its California fruit with Burgundian acidity. Drink now-2020.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

Cooked to perfection, the lamb chops were tender and nicely seasoned. No surprise here that this dish and the Stephanie Cabernet made beautiful music together. Knowing in advance that one of our guests does not care for lamb, she was provided with an alternate dish of beautifully seared duck breast, presented as sliced medallions.

• 2008 Hestan Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Stephanie 92 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  Aged 28 months in French oak (50% new, 50% one year used), this deep ruby wine is a blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 6% Merlot, 6% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc. It is seductive from the get-go, with aromas of black cherry liqueur, pickling spice, dark chocolate and dried herbs. Full-bodied, round and with nicely integrated alcohol (listed as 14.9%), it delivers delicious black fruit and spice flavors which are supported by substantial sweet tannins and well-woven oak. The flavors build on the middle palate, which is silky in texture. Closing smooth and long, this is an elegant, hedonistic Napa Cab with broad appeal. Drink now-2020.

  Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue

The tart and Rabaud-Promis were a knockout combination. Concurrently served were chocolate truffles for those whose sweet tooth was still wanting.

• 2001 Château Rabaud-Promis 93 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Sauternes

  This medium-to-deep golden wine is effusive of apricot, tropical fruit, honey, peach and botrytis spice aromas. On the palate, it is moderately viscous and has fresh acidity to balance its sweetness. The flavors mirror the nose and linger nicely throughout a long finish. This Sauternes is drinking beautifully at this point and should provide pleasure for another 10-15 years. Drink now-2029.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

What a great way to kick off the holiday season! What began with Frank Sinatra for background music ended with an array of Christmas carols. At the conclusion of the evening, all were "merry and bright."